Risotto ai Frutti di Mare: A Creamy, Elegant Seafood Delight Straight from the Italian Coast

Few dishes capture the taste of the Mediterranean like Risotto ai Frutti di Mare—a rich, creamy risotto infused with the briny essence of the sea. This Italian seafood risotto is a beautiful blend of tender Arborio rice, white wine, garlic, and a medley of fresh seafood like shrimp, mussels, squid, or clams. It’s luxurious yet approachable, perfect for a romantic dinner, a special celebration, or when you want to impress guests with something truly Italian.

While it requires a little patience and attention at the stove, the result is a stunningly flavorful, silky-smooth risotto that’s worth every stir.

Ingredients

For the Risotto:

• 1½ cups Arborio rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 4 cups seafood or fish stock (kept warm)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

For the Seafood (use any combo of the following):

• ½ lb (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ lb (225g) squid rings
• ½ lb (225g) mussels or clams (scrubbed and cleaned)
• Optional: scallops or firm white fish chunks

Instructions

1. Cook the Seafood:
   • In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil.
   • Add shrimp and squid; sauté for 2–3 minutes until just cooked.
   • Steam mussels/clams in a bit of water or white wine until they open (discard any that don’t). Set seafood aside and keep warm.
2. Start the Risotto:
   • In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic.
   • Add Arborio rice and stir for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted.
3. Deglaze and Simmer:
   • Pour in white wine and stir until absorbed.
   • Begin adding warm seafood stock, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly and allowing liquid to absorb before adding more.
4. Finish the Dish:
   • Continue stirring and adding stock until rice is creamy and al dente (about 18–20 minutes).
   • Gently fold in the cooked seafood. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
   • Remove from heat and let sit for 1 minute before serving.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Risotto ai Frutti di Mare is a celebration of Italian coastal cuisine—creamy, aromatic, and full of the sea’s freshest flavors. Serve it hot, with a glass of crisp white wine, and savor the taste of Italy with every bite.